On June 13, 2024, Orixine Consulting, in partnership with Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), held a pivotal engagement meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nasarawa State to advance the state’s public health legal reform efforts.
Hosted at Awa Diamond Hotel, Lafia, the meeting convened key CSO representatives, legal experts, and government officials to discuss strategies for implementing a comprehensive health security bill. This bill aims to align with the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 and strengthen Nasarawa’s capacity to prevent and respond to health crises effectively.
- On Day 1, the team met with the Ministry of Justice, where Mrs. Nanlop Ogbrueke of RTSL underscored the link between health and legal frameworks, sharing RTSL’s successful initiatives across Nigeria. The Ministry’s representative, Dr. Isaac Edoh, expressed support for the project, recommending a joint meeting involving other key ministries to drive a unified approach.
- Day 2 brought engagement with the Ministry of Environment. Discussions with Permanent Secretary Garba Mohammed emphasised the critical link between environmental and public health regulations. The ministry pledged support, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to public health through revived sanitation efforts and collaboration with the Ministry of Finance.
- On Day 3, the focus shifted to the Ministry of Agriculture, where discussions centred on preparedness against zoonotic diseases. Highlighting the outdated nature of existing laws, the ministry called for a “One Health” approach, integrating agriculture, environment, and health policies to address current gaps.
Through these fruitful meetings, Orixine and RTSL laid a solid foundation for Nasarawa’s health security reform, with stakeholders committing to collaborative efforts. These dialogues are paving the way for a joint workshop to refine strategies and establish a more resilient, multi-sectoral health security framework.
